Page 122 of Grown-Up Second Chance

Better yet … the sun shone.

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The Badlands were as stark as I thought they’d be. Driving down from the rich greenery of the Black Hills, the high plains stretched before me, miles and miles of parched prairie. In some ways it reminded me of Eastern Montana. Familiar, yet totally new.

As I approached the RV park where Joe was staying, I could feel the effects of my blissful evening wear off. These next few days would determine the direction of my life for the foreseeable future.

No pressure.

The conversation with the Indian woman replayed in my head. Would I have the courage to say what needed to be said out loud? I was so unpracticed at telling the truth, the real truth, to a man. In business I’d learned to play to their egos to achieve success. In my marriage I’d avoided any topic that would give Larry a chance to inflict more verbal pain.

Time to suit up and show up.

Joe was a good man. I had to trust he’d tamed his ego enough to hear the truth.

After stopping in the office, I was directed to the cabin I was to occupy.

I spotted Joe’s RV, but went to my cabin, willing embrace my solitude for as long as I could.

It was not to be.

I’d barely had time to use the bathroom before there was a pounding on my door.

“You made it!” Joe exclaimed as he pulled me into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here safe and sound.”

“Me too. But if you don’t stop squeezing, I’m not sure I will be.”

“Oh. Sorry.” He released me.

We stood there staring at each other. I wasn’t sure what to do next, and it didn’t appear he did either.

When I couldn’t bear the posture any longer, I moved in to give him a kiss—just a quick peck on the lips. At the same time, he moved in to kiss my cheek.

Bam! Our noses collided.

“Ow!” I said, rubbing.

“Sorry,” he said again. “I don’t mean to hurt you. Really. Let me try that again.” He dipped in and kissed my cheek.

Just like you would an old friend.

This was not what I wanted at all. When he lifted his head, he spotted my camera.

“You got it!” he exclaimed.

“I did. And I love it. I’m only sorry I waited so long.”

“But you have it now. Do you want to use it? It’s still early enough, we could go for a short hike. Or there’s a local bar down the way that has a pool table, if you like that. Tomorrow night they’ll have music.”

I held up my hand.

“First,” I said. “I want to take a nap. Then a shower. Then I’ll let you know. Okay?”

“Okay, I guess.” He frowned a bit as I maneuvered him out the door. “See you later?”

“Yep.”

I closed the door.

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